Like many other Catholics, Brown spent time at church in prayer, but she's looking forward to what's next.

"I'm kind of sad about it," Brown said. "I'm hoping we'll get a good one, and maybe an American, to replace him."

"I can see from TV his frailness," parishioner Joan Holub said. "You need someone younger to step in and handle the church."

At Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, prayer is a key ingredient in the recipe as folks ready for St. Joseph's Day -- a combination of reflection and expectation.

"I'm sad to see the pope retire, but I need to respect what he needs to do and what he needs to do for himself. I'm also excited about the prospect of a new pope," Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church representative Jane Maniscalco said.

Certainly, there is a great deal of hope for the future and a chance to elect a younger man to the papacy.

"It seems like if a younger man was in the position, it would give him more years to be, maybe, more active versus facing illness or anything like that," Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church representative Mary Brunet said.

Another hope is that a new pope can unify the Catholic church.

"I'm not saying change any of the church laws, but to bring unity to the faithful," Holub said.